Leonberger

leonberger
  • Life expectancy

    8 - 10 years

  • Weight

    Male 60 - 70 kg

    Female 50 - 60 kg

  • Height

    Male 60 - 70 kg

    Female 60 - 70 kg

  • Hair

    long

  • Group

    Pinscher and Schnauzer type dogs, Molossians, Mountain type dogs and Swiss Cattle Dogs.

  • Nicknames

    Perro de Leonberg

The Leonberger is a large, muscular dog breed that originated in Germany in the 19th century. They have a lion's mane which adds to their striking and powerful appearance. It is a friendly, loyal and affectionate dog that is known for its large size and long, thick coat.

They are intelligent and easy to train dogs, and they get along well with children and other animals. They are also excellent swimmers and enjoy water sports such as rescue and diving. Due to their large size, they need enough space to express themselves, which in short means that Leonbergers are better suited to homes with secure backyards than apartments, and can be expensive to care for due to their need for a large amount of food and veterinary care.

Characteristics of the Leonberger

  • SIZE

  • EXERCISE NEEDS

  • EASY TO TRAIN

  • GOOD WITH CHILDREN

  • KINDNESS TO OTHER PETS

  • HEALTH OF THE BREED

  • COST TO KEEP

  • INTELLIGENCE

  • TOLERANCE TO BEING ALONE

Why choose a Leonberger?

PROS

  • Leonbergers are "gentle giants", loyal, calm and affectionate.

  • They are wonderful with children of all ages and other animals.

  • They form strong bonds with their owners and thrive in a home environment.

  • They are not too demanding in terms of physical exercise.

  • They are intelligent dogs and easy to train. They are known for their ability to quickly learn commands and tricks.

  • They are excellent swimmers and enjoy water sports.

CONS

  • Leonbergers are short-lived.

  • Due to their large size, Leonbergers need plenty of space to move around and exercise. They are not ideal for living in apartments or small spaces.

  • They are not the best option for first-time dog owners.

  • They have a long, thick coat that requires regular brushing to avoid tangles and skin problems. They can also shed a lot of hair during shedding season.

  • Some Leonbergers suffer from separation anxiety.

  • High care costs: They are large dogs that require a lot of food and veterinary care. They may also be prone to health problems such as hip dysplasia and heart problems, which can increase healthcare costs.

  • Puppies can be difficult to find.

Leonberger puppies for sale

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Origin and history of the Leonberger

The history of the Leonberger breed dates back to the 19th century in the city of Leonberg, Germany. It is said to have been created by politician and businessman Heinrich Essig, who wanted to create a dog that resembled a lion, which was the symbol of the city of Leonberg. Essig crossed a Saint Bernard with a Newfoundland, and then crossed the offspring with a Great Dane to produce a large, muscular, leonine-looking dog. However, there are no records to support the fact that Essig crossed his dogs with other breeds and as such, some people believe that other breeds were not used.

Leonberger dogs became very popular in Europe in the 1800s. The breed was admired for its stunning appearance and friendly, loyal personality. However, the breed's popularity declined during World Wars I and II, when many dogs were euthanized or starved to death due to food shortages. By the end of the war, the Leonberger population had declined so much that the breed was on the verge of extinction, when only 8 dogs survived. Fortunately, a group of breeders dedicated themselves to reviving the breed. Finally, in the 1960s, the breed was officially recognized by the German Kennel Club.

Today, the Leonberger is a popular and loved dog breed all over the world. They are friendly, loyal, and affectionate dogs that are prized for their stunning looks and affectionate personalities.

Leonberger breeders

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Character ofthe Leonberger

The Leonberger is known for its friendly, loyal and affectionate temperament. He is an intelligent dog who never does anything in a hurry. They like to take their time on things and this should be taken into account during their training.

They are very sociable dogs and enjoy the company of humans and other animals. They have an unusual amount of patience with children of any age.

Being so calm they can easily become a "couch potato" if allowed, meaning they are prone to gaining too much weight if not given the correct amount of exercise, seriously affecting their health and well-being. If they get bored or don't have enough physical activity, they may become destructive or restless. Therefore, it is important to provide them with enough exercise and mental stimulation.

They enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, swimming, and playing in the water. They are excellent swimmers and are often used in water rescue and rescue work.

As with any breed, early socialization and proper training are essential to ensure positive behavior and good coexistence with your family and other animals.

Curiosities about the Leonberger

  • The breed is believed to have been created by German politician and businessman Heinrich Essig in the city of Leonberg in the 19th century. Their goal was to create a dog that looked like a lion, a symbol of the city of Leonberg.

  • It is one of the largest breeds in the world.

  • Their population was drastically reduced during World Wars I and II, and the breed was on the brink of extinction.

  • They love being in the water, whatever the weather. They are excellent companions for swimming and water sports, and are often used in water rescue equipment.

Names for Leonberger

Leo, Argos, Laia, Lua

The Leonberger of our breeders

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